Pocket carry of J-frame: with or without holster?

[vito]

For those who carry a j-frame in their pocket (pants or jacket), do you use a pocket holster or carry it loose in the pocket? I find that some pants that I own, like my Eddie Bauer jeans, have a large enough pocket to safely hold any of my pocket holsters, while my Wranglers do not. I can still carry my 640 in my Wranglers, but only if I forego the holster. The only negatives I see about not using a holster are that the trigger is not covered, and that you have to clean it more often due to lint accumulation. I wondered what others do for j-frame pocket carry.

[P&R Fan]

I carry my M340PD all the time in my left front pants pocket.
Always in a holster.
Jim

[TheYoungblood]

Trigger not covered. Where will it be pointing when you place hand on it under stress?

[radar1972]

To paraphrase a famous man: I don't always pocket carry, my friend, but when I do, it's in a holster.

[eveled]

MIKA's pocket holster for me, tried without a holster and it doesn't stay straigtht. It ends up rotating so I can't reach in and grab it right.

[Rpg]

Over the years, I've carried my M38, M42 and M 40 in my pocket. I've occasionally tried pocket holsters but always go back to just the pocket.

I've never seen a benefit to the pocket holster for me (only the manufacturer).

I often carry a handkerchief in my pocket as well.

People self consciously worry about 'printing'. I think this comes more with novice CCW's and tends to go away with time and experience.

We all know that we don't put our finger in the trigger guard until the sights are on target. Thousands of repetitions presenting the revolver from the pocket makes it automatic.

I've never had a problem with pocket crud gumming up the revolver. Of course, I wipe it down before and after carrying. But I do that for any handgun I carry, pocket or holster.

Just my opinion, of course.

[raisedin99]

In my pocket every day. A 340PD, so light it is almost unnoticeable.

terry

[Larry from Bend]

I pocket carry my Model 38 Airweight without a holster. I've tried a couple --- didn't like them.
In Wranglers; my 38:
Doesn't print
Doesn't move
Doesn't get "linty"

Plus, I can stick my hand in my pocket and be ready to draw without fussing with a covered trigger guard. In fact, when trouble shows itself, having your pocketed 38 in a ready-to-draw grip without attracting attention is one of the biggest advantages of pocket carry.

[Old cop]

I pocket-carry almost all the time and for the past several years use a holster. That way the gun does not flop around, the trigger is covered and it's just more comfortable. Others don't, as someone above has posted, and it really comes down to what works best for you - there's no hard and fast rule here.

[snubbyfan]

As far as printing goes, I'd worry more about why someone was looking at the front of my trousers close enough to notice the faint outline of a firearm.
I do use a home made leather pocket holster. It gives me peace of mind knowing that the triggers covered and it holds my snubby in a stable position. I made it rough side out and the holster does stay in my pocket on the draw stroke.

Out of curiosity I did try just dropping an unloaded snubby in my pocket and walking around the house. It turned enough to make just removing from my pocket difficult. "Hold on a second Mr. bad guy while I dig my snubby out."
The thing I like about making my own holsters is that I can custom cut them to fit the pocket of my favorite jeans.

[vytoland]

an uncle mike's #3 pocket holster works well with S&W models 640 & 649 J frames

[Doug M.]

1) I can't conceive of pocket carrying without a holster. No way. This applies to both my G33 and my M940. A good holster covers the trigger and keeps the firearm properly oriented all the time.

2) DRESS AROUND THE GUN. If you can't use a holster when you pocket carry in certain trousers, don't pocket carry in those trousers. If you are dedicated to pocket carry as a primary means (and there are good reason to do so) get rid of the trousers that don't work with pocket carry. Get your priorities straight. It's about fighting, not fashion. Don't do anything not compatible with carrying all the time, and doing so safely.

[federali]

Once, when I was a young, inexperienced and stupid LEO, I dropped a Colt .25 auto out of my front jeans pocket while changing a flat along the side of New York's Grand Central Parkway, after dark. If the gun hadn't nudged my right foot upon falling, I just might not have realized I'd dropped it and I would have driven off without it. THIS CURED ME OF POCKET CARRY OR ANY OTHER FORM OF MEXICAN CARRY.

A handgun, even one that his been deburred, dehorned and rendered buttery smooth, is still hell on pockets. I can only offer my opinion based upon my experience and that is to carry the gun as though you may someday actually have to use it. Pockets come in all depths, some allow your wallet, keys, cellphone to fall out. Then, there's the matter of how you're built. Any slouching while seated might allow the gun to fall out. What if this happens at a family gathering and a child finds it before you realize it's no longer in your pocket?

[TexasArmed]

Originally Posted by federali

Once, when I was a young, inexperienced and stupid LEO, I dropped a Colt .25 auto out of my front jeans pocket while changing a flat along the side of New York's Grand Central Parkway, after dark. If the gun hadn't nudged my right foot upon falling, I just might not have realized I'd dropped it and I would have driven off without it. THIS CURED ME OF POCKET CARRY OR ANY OTHER FORM OF MEXICAN CARRY.

A handgun, even one that his been deburred, dehorned and rendered buttery smooth, is still hell on pockets. I can only offer my opinion based upon my experience and that is to carry the gun as though you may someday actually have to use it. Pockets come in all depths, some allow your wallet, keys, cellphone to fall out. Then, there's the matter of how you're built. Any slouching while seated might allow the gun to fall out. What if this happens at a family gathering and a child finds it before you realize it's no longer in your pocket?

I carry a S&W 642-1 airweight stainless steel revolver all the time in my front pocket and it has never fallen out. I have a good size pocket and it rests there well in my pocket holster.
I worry more about the CA 44 special in my galco holster
being exposed than my pocket carried 38. I never carry anything along with it in the same pocket though. I wear my keys on a chain around my neck to avoid losing them.

And if I am the least bit worried about printing I carry the
642 in my pocket and don't carry the other one, or if I am
going to a civilian medical facility.

[.455_Hunter]

All of my I, J, and J-"Magnum" frame snubs are pocket carried in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster. I tend to prefer Size 4, as it covers more of the trigger area than Size 3.

[federali]

I should have mentioned that I was referring to pocket carrying a gun without any form of holster. I have indeed carried a gun in a high-friction pocket holster and I felt it was safe and reasonably secure.

[ladder13]

Remora, all the time, doubles as IWB also.

[shouldazagged]

Most days my J-frame rides in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, which works very well. Keeps the gun positioned for a smooth draw, and will not move in the pocket.

Days I wear my Wranglers the J goes in an Uncle Mike's Size 3, a model I used for years before discovering the Nemesis.

I won't consider carrying without a holster if only because I don't want to risk the gun shifting to a position that would complicate the draw even slightly.

[lawandorder]

Never with out a holster,

and never with anything else in the same pocket!

[P&R Fan]

I am a Private Investigator, but I also own a contract Security company. A few years ago I had an assignment where I was guarding a Woman who was carrying a large amount of jewelry. Very expensive jewelry. I was carrying my Glock 23 in an OWB holster, but wanted a BUG. I dropped my M340PD in my pocket without a holster in my suit pants. It moved all over the place.
That's when I got a pocket holster. That revolver now lives there all the time, and I literally forget it's there.
Jim

[Goldstar225]

When I pocket carry my 642 it rides in a Mika holster. I use the holster because it keeps the gun properly positioned. Without a holster it tends to tilt enough that it's harder to get a good grip.

[Jerry M]

I carried one for years in my back pocket. Used a handkerchief to mask the outline of the revolver. One had one old time city cop detect it. (i was legally caring)

[ednblue]

I always pocket carry my 442. I have a Mika's holster and it holds it secure and it is reliable on pulling the gun out. I would not consider going w/o a holster.

[SWIll]

A desantis nemesis with a 638 in the front pocket. Always a holster.

[Yiogo]

When I pocket carry my J frame is in a holster or my own making. Yiogo

[Cooter Brown]

Check your state laws. Unless something has changed recently, in Georgia a gun must be in a holster even if it is in a pocket.

There is an exception for the Barami Hip Grip--that device is actually named in the law.

In addition to covering the trigger, a real and important advantage of a well designed pocket holster is that it holds the gun in a consistent position. It's also far less likely to squirt out of your pocket.

[Waywatcher]

Pocket holster keeps my snubby pointed in a consistent direction, position, and covers the trigger.

The only thing that I will put in the same pocket is a speed strip but that is with big pockets only.

I like having the option of pocket carry, no doubt about it, but I also prefer belt carry if at all possible. I am much more comfortable with a belt holster, specifically the muzzle direction, but also the ease and quickness of the draw.

[packeagle]

I agree that a holster keeps the gun from rotating. I use a remora for jacket pocket carry. I don't often carry in a pants pocket, but use a holster when I do.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[flyrobb]

Originally Posted by lawandorder

Never with out a holster,

and never with anything else in the same pocket!

Same Here!!

[TJ1225]

Not safe or efficient to pocket carry without a holster, besides there are so many good pocket carry holster options why not!

[Donn]

Pocket holster, Tuff Products to be precise. Always, always.

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Jeans with small pockets.
CUTDOWN POCKET ROCKET Genuine Lined Black Reef Shark Skin
Available with round or square edge tab. Your choice.





I offer many other pocket designs as well, for 40 years, give or take a few. Trouser pockets sure have changed and there is no clothing industry standard pocket size, width or shape, so I wish you the best of luck.

Cheers;
Lefty

[Old Unk]

homemade rough-out leather pocket square. RF,RR uniform pants or right jacket pocket.

I had the hammer bobbed in the old days.

[THE PILGRIM]

The guy who kept telling me there was a Walker Colt up in Cuba, NM also had a great 25 Auto story. He was a lifetime Indian arts and crafts dealer.
In his younger years, he Used to go down into Mexico and buy fetishes from the Tarahumara Indians in the Copper Canyon area.
The first time he went down he was a little nervous. So he taped a 25 auto to his leg. He also took a Mauser straight bolt to shoot game for the Indians.
He drove down to a ranch and they took him in by horseback. Every night he would take out the 25 and oil it up. One day his Indian hosts were trying to get a snake out of a big caucus.
One of the Indians looked over at him and said 'shoot it with your little gun'.
It is hard to keep a secret.

[franzas]

sticky holster

[NE450No2]

For over 30 years I have carrried a No2 gun in my pocket.
On duty, and off, and now retired.
At first I carried a S&W Bodyguard, then a Colt Commander, and for the last several working years, I had to carry a 9mm, so I carried a Glock 17, that matched the 17 I carried in my holster as a primary.
Yes two Glock 17's all the time, on duty...

At first there were no pocket holsters, and I will say that over a period of time, the sharp edges on the guns ruined a lot of pants pockets...

However, I first used a pocket holster with the Glock 17, it was for a 38 S&W, but it kept the front of the slide from putting holes in the pocket near as quick.

Off duty, and now that I am retired, I use a pocket holster for the same S&W Bodyguard.
I have 2 different ones that I use depending on what pants I am wearing.

I use the Uncle Mikes in smallish pockets, and the leather Galco in larger pockets.

It is a LOT easier on the pocket, a LOT smoother on your leg, and keeps the gun in an easy to draw position.

When I want to go totally 1911, Primary and No2, I carry the 1911 Commander or the 1911 Agent in my pocket, and I use the Uncle Mikes, the same one for the 38 Bodyguard, as it works fine...

[Kiteman72]

Originally Posted by Cooter Brown

Check your state laws. Unless something has changed recently, in Georgia a gun must be in a holster even if it is in a pocket.

There is an exception for the Barami Hip Grip--that device is actually named in the law.

In addition to covering the trigger, a real and important advantage of a well designed pocket holster is that it holds the gun in a consistent position. It's also far less likely to squirt out of your pocket.

I just had a Barami Hip Grip installed on my 36. I liked the idea, but I still can't bring myself to fully trust it. Looks great tho, lol.

Thankfully, I can still easily use my pocket holsters with these stocks on the revolver. I agree w Cooter about the virtues of the holster and would add that it protects the finish a bit as well.

Anyone using only the Hip Grips? Success? I noted on Barami's website they are available for K frames too. Hmmm...